Daily Dose of BS April 29 hic-ups

We often get them, and at the most inopportune time. I am talking about hic-ups. What’s your secret way to cure hiccups? Some old faves listed by “Mental Floss” magazine …
– Place a teaspoonful of sugar on the back of your tongue.
– Stick your fingers in your ears.
– Gargle with water long enough to interrupt the hiccup cycle.
– Eat a big spoonful of peanut butter or powdered chocolate mix.
– Hold the top of a door frame and then lean forward.
– A long, passionate kiss also supposedly does the trick.
My question to you is what do you do to cure your hic-ups?

Daily Dose of BS April 28 calls and trash

Unless you are my Mom or Dad or one of my kids please leave me your name when you call. I had a message left for me Sunday afternoon on my voice mail saying Bob you are a hard person to get ahold of, give me a call back later. I called and texted about 10 people and it was none of them. I was always taught when you call someone to leave your name and number, and I do even leave my name to people I call regularly. We got new garbage cans earlier this year, uniform cans for the entire city. On Saturday I was noticing my alley and how clean it looked with the new cans. Add the wind from yesterday’s storm to big garbage cans makes for a littered street. There were only about 5 cans in my alley that were still standing after those winds, and there were no less than 3 in the middle of the alley.

Daily Dose of BS April 25 best invention

In the early 1900’s there was talk with doing away with the patent office since there, in their words were no more things that could ever be invented. We see new inventions pop up all the time, in fact I have interviewed many inventors. I know I asked this question before but in your mind what is the best invention that has happened in your lifetime? I Think for me it is the computer in my pocket that does all. Never before were people able to have the world literally at their fingertips than within the past 10 years. The phones keep getting smaller and have the ability to do more. What is the best invention to come around since you were born?

Daily Dose of BS April 24 what apps do you use?

I have had my smarter than me phone for over a year now and was looking through it yesterday, I noticed that I have a lot of apps that I have no idea what they are. It got me thinking what are the apps that you cannot live without? I think that the only ones that I feel as though I am looking at all the time are facebook, texting, phone, and google. I also use my weather ap and a recording ap that I bought for my job. I also use an ap that sends me news feeds and map my walk. There is the calendar and don’t forget about the google chrome to phone app that allows me to send links right to my phone. I also use the browser on my phone. I just now realized that I use my phone a lot. The one thing I do not use my phone for is games. But we play lots of games in life, right?

Daily Dose of BS April 23 comfort foods

What’s your favorite comfort food?  For me I have a comfort meal it is meatloaf, baked potato and acorn squash.  I remember as a kid we got to pick our favorite meal for supper on our birthday and that is what I picked and still would today if offered any meal prepared for me by my Mom.  My bothers picked lasagna and a hot dish that my Mom used to call Good Hot Dish.  If you are not from the Midwest you probably don’t know what I mean when I say Hot Dish, what it is a casserole or a potluck food.  What is your favorite comfort food?

Daily Dose of BS April 22 earth day

Happy earth day to you….Happy earth day to you…happy better gas mileage to me.  I got a new to me 1999 Accord and over the past 500 miles I have averaged 25.9 mpg, not too bad for a car that is 15 years old.  If I get close to my last cars total mileage I will be doing pretty well.  My last Accord got close to 350 thousand miles.  Today is earth day and a day to celebrate Mother Earth, what are you going to be doing to save her for the future generations?  I came into this year kicking and screaming with the new garbage cans in La Crosse because we had to start recycling, I am here to say that it has been pretty painless, and that I didn’t mind that change.  

Daily Dose of BS April 21 ikea

I felt like a sheep being herded in and around the store with the ranchers carefully placed around the edges and in the fields.  That is right over the weekend I made the trip to IKEA.  It started with the mind numbing slither through the parking lot searching for the ever diminishing 275 square feet of parking space.  After about 7 and a half minutes of searching one of the coveted spots opened, yeah!  Then it was off to fight the crowds to get in to the store when we finally reached the grand entrance up the escalator to the map and pencil area.  Then the herding began the ranchers were standing around with their yellow stripped shirts with their brand proudly showing on their back the lighted arrows were on the floor and the mind numbed shoppers where piling things that they don’t need into carts that push straight or sideways, following arrows weaving in and out of areas of the store that you didn’t even know were there, finally after 90 minutes of weaving and bobbing we finally reached the area we were looking for picked up some drawers and shelves, then off to the check out.  We got into the wrong line got cattle prodded to the end of the line, waited for about 45 minutes to check out only to have to fight the crowed to get out the store then fight the parking lot in reverse.  All for what?  When I attempt to put together my closet organizer I will let you know.  

Daily Dose of BS April 18 truth

Why not have total truth in pricing?  And I am talking about total cost if something costs 50 cents then have tax on it why not say 53 cents?  Thing about how much easier it would be for all of us.  No more adding the cost of tax in your head to see if you are within your budget, you would know if you are getting close to your ultimate buying power because of the math.  I also don’t like when you go to a clothing store and the tag says $17.97 on a rack for 60% off.  Tell us what the cost is, the total cost including tax so that way we are in the know and not in fear of over shooting our budget.  

Daily Dose of BS April 17 eating right

My goal at the beginning of the year was to eat better, not diet, but to eat less and be aware of what I was putting in my mouth. I made it a pact to myself to only have one donut when they are at work, to eat yogurt for breakfast rather than bringing leftovers in to work and to try to eat more fruit and veggies. I am happy to say that I have been doing pretty good, I have had yogurt almost every day, I have been trying to not snack as much at home and I have been trying to move a couple times a week. I think I have able to do most of those things, my problem is now that I have done for about 4 months I have found myself this past week slipping into old habits like eating way too much in fact eating until I am beyond full. Are there any secrets that you have for keeping with it? My goal wasn’t to go on a diet or loose weight, but if I did I wouldn’t complain. Any help would be great.

Daily Dose of BS April 16 shades of gray

I spent some time with my Mom last weekend, I now realize what my kids say when they say you just don’t get it. I think the older that people get the less likely that they are going to change. In my Moms case it is black and white, same with my Dad and just about every other older generation that I get the pleasure of talking with. I am in my mid-forties and I don’t think that I am too stuck into only black and white for answers, but I think I see a blue and a grey and a few shades of more. I could be wrong though because I am in that circle. My kids and I am guessing your kids as well and that most other younger people are seeing way more possibilities than us in the older generation. What color do you see?

Daily Dose of BS April 14 snow

I really enjoy the first snowfall of the season; everything looks clean and sparkly as you get ready for the cool then cold weather as winter sets in, people re-learning how to drive in the snowy slick covered roads. Ahh winter. But wait it is the middle of April and there is snow on the ground, what the hell. Not a fan of snow this time of year, I am ready to turn off my heat and sleep with the windows open, not bundled up with blankets. The bright note is that with this never ending winter we do know how to drive in this crap.

Daily Dose of BS April 11 getting old

I hate to admit it, I am tired. I have been an early morning person for the past 22 years and for some reason as I am getting older 4am is starting to drag on me. I try to keep regular hours and keep my schedule most of the days. I remember when I was in my 30’s I could stay up late a few nights a week and not feel it the next day but as I am getting older those late night hours get seen less and less. I recall being in my 20’s and able to pull an all nighter and not be affected, now if I stay up past 10:30 on a school night I feel it, and if I push later than that, I am definitely feeling it the next day. I feel a nap coming on later.

Daily Dose of BS April 10 shootings and stabbings

Are we safe anywhere? Movie theaters, malls, schools and military posts? Shootings and stabbings, and why? Because someone was picked on or feel like they have no where to turn? There have been people getting picked on for as long as there has been people. What is the cause? What can be done to stop it? Is an insane plea fair? I look at these situations and get mad, why does this type of nonsensical violence have to happen all around us? Is there a place to turn?

Daily Dose of BS April 8 needles and pins

When I was a kid and on the way to the hardware store with my dad on a Saturday morning he would always play rock and roll. I think that is why I love rock to this day, a pleasant memory from when I was a kid hanging with my dad. I always remember the song Bad Bad LeRoy Brown, cause he was the baddest man in the whole damn town, the song told a story. He was badder than a junk yard dog, he was one bad dude. Another song that pops into my head is the one from the Searchers “Needles and Pins”, these days you don’t need to do much searching for either of those just look in the alleys in certain neighborhoods in La Crosse and you will find them. My kids were playing out at the basketball hoop and guess what they found. Yep a needle, be safe and talk to your kids about not touching the hypodermic needles or in fact any sharp thing they find in the alleys or streets.

Daily Dose of BS April 7 buy used

When I was first starting out in life I lucked out at an auction and picked up lots of my tools there. The reason I lucked out is that it was raining and it was an outdoor auction. Over the years I have misplaced and replaced many of them but at the time they were good enough for what I needed them for. I also like to hit up rummage sales, and look on eBay. The reason I bring this up is that when it comes to buying some things it is ok to purchase used. The list I found had cars, kid clothes, books, movies and tools on it. Guess what. I have bought all 5 of these things used over my life, and will continue to do so. I guess I am a recycler, or at least a repurposer or re-user.

Daily Dose of BS April 4 people

We all have someone that we look up to either professionally or just look up to because who they are. It is funny as we became adults and our perceptions of people changed. I still look up to many of the people who have shaped my mind and my career but it is different when you get within the inner circle of a certain group you realize that people are people regardless of who they are or what they do. I have a pretty wide group of friend from civil servants, to teachers, to police and fire fighters, to business professionals and friends in the medical field, and you know what with each and every group there is the same thoughts about society, the same worries about life and the same family issues. I guess this goes to show us that as we grow in our professions that we can choose to grow apart from our friends or we can choose to grow together. I choose choice two.

Daily Dose of BS April 3 kiwanis radio day

One of the things my folks taught my brothers and I was to give back either monetarily or with time. I chose to work in radio so I have more time than money. There are many great organizations out there that are in need of your time. Find one and help when you can. Today is Kiwanis radio day so as you pop around to the different radio stations in the La Crosse Market you will hear lots of different voices. And later this month we will be celebrating volunteers from all over the area with the 20th Annual Coulee Region Volunteer Coordinators Recognition Breakfast. My suggestion to you is be active within our community and lets work to make this an even better place to live.

Daily Dose of BS April 2

I am disappointed and proud at the same time. I waited until 5:30 yesterday to vote to see how the turnout was, and wow was it sad. We have the responsibility as Americans to vote and not too many people took that responsibility to heart yesterday, at 5:40 I was voter number 61 in ward 18. Number 61 what a sad state of affairs. People complain that our country is going to hell, but what are we doing to stop that? We have elections in the spring and in the fall, don’t like the way that things are going vote. I also mentioned that I was proud as well, my son registered and voted for the first time yesterday. I am proud that he didn’t take his civic duty for granted. For those complainers you have the next opportunity to exercise your duty as an American in November.

Daily Dose of BS April 1 fools day

Excuse me but you’ve dropped your pocket. Today tricksters will be out in full force. I have never been a person to do an elaborate April Fool’s joke, I have done the typical goofy ones like telling a fib then saying April Fool’s Day or the hey you dropped your pocket one but never any over the top got ya one. I think that having a day that we celebrate silly is good, it helps your kids to understand that life doesn’t always need to be serious, it also teaches planning and execution. To have a super April Fool’s Day prank really work you need to have a plan and find a way to execute. Funny about this day the trust factor isn’t really there is it? I had Terrie B pop into the studio and asked me to “go check” on the Classic Rock station, I have been here for a few years now and no one has ever asked me to “check” that studio, I apprehensively did, half expecting something to jump out at me. It didn’t- happy don’t trust your co-workers and family day.

Daily Dose of BS March 31 parking

We did it. The Schmidt family made it through without a fine in the lets raise money for the city with an alternative side parking season. The fines aren’t enough to kill ya but at 10 bucks each and double then double again over time your parking only in front of your house for the season is enough to make a dent in your life’s savings. A couple years ago the La Crosse Police Department alternate side parking enforcement wrote out 17,660 tickets and took in $92,164 in fines. That is a lot of $10 tickets, also makes me think where did the 4$ come from. I wonder what the total brought in this year will be? So does it make you happy you can now park on either side of the street at least until November 1st.

Daily Dose of BS March 28 emerald ash borer

I grew up in the Twin Cities and remember when Dutch Elm hit that area and the landscapes of the older neighborhoods changed. May 22, 2011 the landscape of the South Side of La Crosse changed when the tornado ripped through the area. Now in 2014 we are seeing the landscape of most of La Crosse County changing again because of the cutting down of the Ash tree. I was thinking that my drives through the city looked different and I wrote it off to the snow then the melting of snow then it was reviled what I have been missing once the snow melted a bit more and exposed the stumps of the hundreds of Ash trees that have been cut down in hopes of eradicating the Emerald Ash Borer. It saddens me to see all these trees gone, our lovely canopy of leaves will for a long time be missing from the city streets.

Daily Dose of BS March 26 deadlines

March 31 is this coming Monday; this coming Monday is the next deadline for the Affordable Care Act. Guess what another deadline extension has been given, aren’t we just enabling people to keep pushing past these deadlines? I don’t get it. If your divers license is due on your birthday, you make damn sure you make it to the d-o-t in order to obtain your drivers license. We all know that April 15th is tax day, if you are late in getting your taxes in you know you are going to be fined. Same as other dates that we know come and go, for example if you have an anniversary and you miss it or a birthday or any other day that you know you have to do something and you don’t get it done there are consequences, why then do they and by they I mean the Government keep pushing the date for Affordable Care?

Daily Dose of BS March 25 toilet paper

I know I have talked about this in the past but it is important. We all use it some more than others but we average 46 squares of the stuff everyday. I am talking about toilet paper, I am guessing that we will never get everyone on the same page on which way it goes on the roll, if you are asking me it goes over not behind but that is another story, I want to talk today about the best of the best. When it comes to being a frugal person I do not think that skimping on your derrière paper is the place to do it. In fact I am a big fan of the ultra-strong Charmin, and really why wouldn’t you be? It is soft and strong. What I don’t get is these weird package sizes the packages say 12=24 or 12=36, unless this some new math that I really don’t get 12=12 right? Quit trying to fool us, tell us how my sheets are on the roll and enough with the funny math.

Daily Dose of BS March 24 first job

We have all had that first job, some stick with it some do not, but we have all either mowed a lawn, shoveled a walk, walked a dog, or babysat. I was thinking about this over the weekend, as my daughter branched out from the neighborhood with her babysitting business. Just watching her head out to work with her confidence and hoping that lessons learned from earlier gigs filled her learning bank. With babysitting and every other first job you learn valuable lessons in life, like to hope that things will all go right but to be ready for anything. Also no one really cares that you are having a bad day, you are there to do a job and to do it well, so always work your hardest. Do the job to the best of your ability and to not complain, also have a smile on your face. One of the best lessons I learned when I was a kid is to put away a little for a rainy day.

Daily Dose of BS March 21 bad fork

97% of the time I get it. 97% of the time, this percentage is great if getting it meant getting what someone says. But in my particular situation I am talking about getting the messed up fork, it doesn’t matter who I go to lunch or dinner with, 97% of the time I get the fork, the one that should have been tossed or sent to the silversmith to reform into a fork. It has gotten to be such a thing that my friends are always quick to point it out and ready to laugh at my expense. The number drops to about 17% when we are talking about spoons unless I visit my mom’s house, then the number goes up, for some reason when I visit I get the spoon that was dropped into the garbage disposal and isn’t quite rounded. I am not sure if I ever shared this milk fact with you but when I was a kid and lived at home every single day something would get dropped into my milk-every single day. But that is another story.

Daily Dose of BS March 19 pee in pool

Just saw the stat. Quit peeing in the pool. They say that one in 5 have done it and it is making us sick. Think about it one in 5 or 20% of Americans are peeing where they swim, or where they sit if in a hot tub. I think this is gross, besides being disgusting now they say this is what is making us sick. I got a way for this to stop from happening – stop peeing in the pool.

Daily Dose of BS March 18 driving

I took my son driving yesterday.  First time I have had the chance, not only was he scared, but I was as well.  He did fine, it is funny when his brother started driving a few years ago, I recall being more scared, but I am guessing that it will be easier when my other kids start driving in the future, it is funny how with something’s they get easier when you do them often, and other things go in fazes and still others never get easier.  I talk for a living, yet I still get frightened every time and I mean every single time I talk in front of a group, not that I do a bad job, but I am aware of everything when I am up doing my thing.  I don’t know if I will ever like talking in a group, but I am getting better at being a teaching passenger in the car.

Daily Dose of BS March 17 st patricks day

They say that 11 percent of all Americans claim some Irish ancestry, which is about seven times the size of Ireland. Surveys also say that about 50% of Americans will wear green today. I was thinking about St Patrick’s Day and the parallels with the state of Wisconsin, the two things that most people associate with Saint Patty’s Day is Beer and Whiskey drinking which we in Wisconsin do at just about more of a rate than any other state. And wearing of the Green, show me a true Wisconsinite that doesn’t have a Green Bay Packer shirt or hat, also if you think of it on St Patrick’s Day there is green beer sold, and regular beer is gold you put the two next to each other and what do you have? That is correct Packer colors, while we may not all be Irish or have Irish ancestry, today as a Wisconsinite we are all Irish. So top of the morning to ya.

Daily Dose of BS March 14 phones

My kids say I am addicted to my phone.  I admit I am in the constant quest for more information but addicted?  I don’t think so I can put it away, for a few hours at a time.  I am sure that it is out more than I think it is.  It is funny there are about 5 aps I use all the time including google to check things, my texting to of course text, my facebook ap, the calculator, the gps, music while at the gym,  and oh yea the phone.  Funny how this small computer that most of us carry around is also a phone, I think we often forget that this is the function of why we have it but use it for so many more things.  I forgot to plug mine in last night before bed waking up to a dead phone.  I don’t like it I started feeling panicky but soon got to work and got it plugged in.  

Daily Dose of BS March 13 romance

When I think of romantic places in the country my mind goes to the coasts at least big communities within the heartland. Never have I in my 22 years in La Crosse did I ever think of La Crosse Wisconsin as one of the most romantic places in this great country. A buddy of mine sent me a link to an article from a few years ago the according to Redbox that of the 52 thousand people in La Crosse that apparently we rent more romantic movies than anywhere else in the country, thus earning us the title of most lovey dovey. Do you agree? Do you think that deep within the walls of the colleges or on 3rd street lies the most romantic person ever? What brings out the romance? Is it the bitterly cold weather, maybe we are all just looking for someone to cuddle up with and to try to keep warm. What do you think is the most romantic city you’ve ever been to? Is it La Crosse?

Daily Dose of BS March 12 jb

I think that Justin Bieber is a spoiled rotten punk. There I said it and it feels good to get it off my chest. I work on a station that plays his music and I don’t like him. He is disrespectful to those around him he feels as though we owe him something, we don’t. I would think that if you are on top of your game that you are to be grateful, or at least have some sort of respect for people around you and some respect for yourself. From the police videos I have seen of this punk lately he comes across as a I am better than you piece of dog waste. I hope that this latest bit of trouble opens the eyes of those that put him on a pedestal.

Daily Dose of BS March 10 flight

How can an airplane just disappear? Cars now a days have Onstar wouldn’t you think that an airplane would have something similar? I feel bad for the families that have loved ones on that Malaysian Flight that disappeared. As a very infrequent flyer I guess I thought that they were tracked. I was 27 by the time I took my first flight as an adult. Since then I have flown maybe for a dozen trips, with each trip a bit braver, I was a basket case the first flight I ever took. You never really know what to expect when you fly, who you will sit next to, if the crew is having a good day or not, what weather will be like when you land and if you have the right credit card for the drink cart.

Daily Dose of BS March 7 tv

I used to have the first tv that my dad had as a kid, he lugged it around from place to place till he settled down, we had it as a basement tv. When it finally died my brothers and I took out the tv and just used the cherry wood box for a chest. This old tv was a piece of furniture, a family heirloom. I remember changing the channel having to click thru each and every channel and back in those days there were only 4 channels, fast forward 35 years and tv’s are throwaways when was the last time you used a fixit person for anything? Most of the society today is throwaway, from tv’s to beds, to washers and dryers to –the sky is the limit. That is almost everything, the remote control is the one thing when it stops working we go into a panic, we don’t know what to do, we look at it, we push all the buttons, we take off the back, we roll the batteries in the back if that works we are relieved, if not we take the batteries out, switch sides then try again if that doesn’t work we replace the batteries. Thank goodness for batteries right, cause I don’t think I could go back to changing the channel by getting up and going to the tv to do it.

Daily Dose of BS March 6 food

We all have favorites. When it comes to food, I have many from donuts to pizza to beer. I had a meeting last night and one of the guys there said I had a Bloedow doughnut this morning. Now if you don’t live in or have never been to Winona Minnesota you have no idea what a Bloedow doughnut even is, I suggest you find one and have one. They are tops. For burgers, I am partial to a Barrel Inn Mushroom Swiss or the big burger from The Swing Inn. Pizza has me wanting a pie, when it comes to frozen za, I live the Lloyds Sweet Home Chicago, for thin it has to be the Great River Road House, and Thick crust has me driving to Holmen to The Pizza Corral. Breakfasts now there are lots of great choices there, depending on the mood. What is your favorite foods, and places?

Daily Dose of BS March 5 school

I used to work with a guy who was in his 40’s and lived at home with his parents, he always used ot say if my mom and dad didn’t want the responsibility of having kids they shouldn’t have had sex. As a young man I laughed at that, as an adult, I look back and cringe that that. I am sure you heard about the 18 year old from New Jersey who didn’t want to live by her parents rule; she moved out and is now suing them for college and living costs. You heard of this right. An 18 year old in New Jersey was trying to sue her parents for room board and education. The judge said no. Good for the judge, why is it that she feels as though she is owed this education. She isn’t, she should work for it.

Daily Dose of BS March 4 changes

A couple of big changes in the Schmidt house, my oldest is moving out with some friends. I will see now if all the lessons have stuck. He is moving only about 5 blocks from home so he’ll be close enough for lunches or dinners. The other big change is my middle son just got his permit yesterday, kinda fitting that he gets his permit and the gas prices go up, the last time I remember gas being under a dollar were for a few days around when he was born. Now the prices are creeping up again, this morning in La Crosse the prices are 3.54 per gallon, this sucks. I filled up the Tahoe on Saturday and did a little math only to find out I am only averaging 11.35 miles per gallon.

Daily Dose of BS March 3 reuse

Who says you have to use things for what they are intended for. For example when I have a sticky zipper I rub a candle on it, same goes for a keyed lock, if it is sticking I run a candle on the key and open it up. Having baked potatoes on the grill and wrap them in tin foil? Save the foil and rub on the grill to clean it. If you’re camping and need to start a fire and can’t find kindling use Doritos they light on fire. Our lives are full of these little cheats that make our lives easier, what are some that you have found?

Pepsi Max

Remember the Pepsi commercial last year that had Jeff Gordon driving at a used car lot?  There were people saying you could tell it was fake.  Pepsi Max did it again.  This one in my opinion is way better than the last.  See Video here

Daily Dose of BS feb 28

If you can't say something nice, don't say anything. Earlier this week a women who runs a bank in Cleveland learned that lesson the hard way when her response to a young job went viral. This woman said "Love the sense of entitlement in your generation. And therefore I enjoy denying your invite"  I think I would have done the same thing and posted it.  I try to be respectful in people I talk with and correspond with via emails and on social media.  Life is too short not to.  Be respectful yet be yourself.  

Daily Dose of BS Feb 27 driving

Gas prices are up again to 3.49 per gallon what happened to the lower prices? I for one am not happy, we spend lots of time in our vehicles commuting back and forth to work, meetings and taking our kids to sporting events. I live in a small town but easily drive over 200 miles per week, I know that is not much compared to bigger towns but most of my driving is being a cabbie. With all that time in the car we see and do lots that is not safe. I am guessing that you have seen people texting, and eating while on the road. I have also seen people reading a book, a newspaper and shaving. What are some of the weird things you have seen driver do while on the road?

Daily Dose of BS Feb 26 anti gay bs

Stay the hell out of my business. It seems as though we are taking 37 steps backward, what is Arizona doing? Discriminating against groups because your religious beliefs. Doesn’t the bible say to love one another? Why would we as a country put up with this type of discrimination? At one time wasn’t just about every group discriminated against? Let’s see I am an overweight, bald, glasses wearing, hearing aid wearer, catholic, married, employed, father of 4 who likes to drink beer, and hang out with my friends of both sexes. I am sure there are groups out there that hate or discriminate against one of more of my qualities, enough. We are all so anti bullying isn’t discrimination bullying?

Daily Dose of BS Feb 25 dumber

Do you think we are dumber now than we used to be? Here is why I ask, when I was a kid I had every single one of my friends phone numbers memorized, my aunt and uncles numbers, my grandmas number and my Dads work number all committed to memory, now a days most people don’t even remember their own cell phone number not to mention someone else’s. I also remember writing a paper for school and not knowing how to spell a word, asking my Mom how to spell it she told me to grab the dictionary to look it up, I had no clue how to even spell it so I called the Library and asked. Now if we don’t know something we head to Google and our buddy there will tell us. Do you think that Google has made us dumber or more reliant on technology rather than trying to figure things out on our own?

Daily Dose of BS Feb 24 stuffs

Not feeling good is not good anytime, but to fell yucky on a weekend makes you feel like you missed out on something. I had to go to a basketball tournament on Saturday to watch my son play hoops and on Saturday night I was supposed to get together with friends, I caught a bug of some sorts at the basketball games and had to go home to sleep. I feel ripped off. I want my Saturday night back. Gas prices are up, again. My alley is horrible and so are many of the streets around town because of the ice, my alley has tons of ruts and there is nothing I can do about it. Sometimes letting go is tough,my goal today is to let these little things go. Have a great Monday.

Daily Dose of BS Feb 21 story

We hear what we want to hear. See what we want to see and tell the story the way we thought we heard it. Take for example the weather if the weather forecaster says it will snow between 1 inch south and 10 inches to the north, we hear it is going to snow 10 inches. My tv weather buddy Bill Graul posted that on his facebook the other day and I agree, I even do it. After I hear that there will be up to 10 inches of snow in the area, and someone asks me how much snow are we going to get, I respond with that 10 inch amount, and I don’t know why. Is it because we are a society that likes to embellish? Is it because we like to be shocked? The weather often shocks us, in fact if it snows less than we expect, we are shocked, if it snows more than they say we are shocked, and if it does exactly as they say we are also shocked. Me? I think I just like a good story.

WHAT THE WORLD EATS FOR BREAKFAST

 Brazil – Steaming warm, fresh-from-the-oven pao de queijos, round-shaped ‘cheese buns’, are a breakfast staplel. Fresh fruit or berries, such as the acai, are also common.

 Burma – A morning might start out with ‘kaut nyin paung’, sticky fried rice topped with boiled yellow beans. This savory dish is sometimes served with fried fish and a cup of green tea.

 Finland – A hearty bowl of oat–based porridge, ‘puuro’, is a common breakfast, often served with milk, fresh or frozen berries, and a bit of butter.

 Sweden – A ‘smorgas’, or open-faced sandwich, is typical. Slices of buttered bread are topped with a combination of toppings that can include ham, cheese, lettuce, and hard-boiled egg.

 Switzerland – Muesli, the cereal blend of oat flakes, nuts, and raisins or other types of dried fruit is often eaten with yogurt.

 Venezuela – The soft corn flatbread arepa is eaten throughout the day, but it’s most commonly served in the morning stuffed with different fillings such as cheese, meat, or beans.

– TheDailyMeal.com

Daily Dose of BS Feb 20 office mates

This by no means is a slam on the people I work with I love them all, ok most, but we all have that person in your office that has the habit that makes you cringe whenever they do it. I personally have heard of a few of mine and have worked to not do them – as much. First of all when I started here full time I was a leftover for breakfast guy and would have whatever was for supper last night for breakfast anything from chilidogs to spaghetti and everything in-between, my problem was I liked spice on my food and not a bit but a lot. In fact I think that the station is rid of vampires for life, I have cut down on my garlic. I used to work with a person who would cut their fingernails at work, it drove me nuts that noise of clip then who the heck knows where that fingernail went when it flew. I talked to that person it was uncomfortable at the time but glad I did. I think that is the problem with people now at work and everywhere we are afraid to say something because it may not be politically correct, instead we either build resentment toward that person or try something passive aggressive, in hopes that the perpetrator is perceptive enough to catch on. Let’s have a take back the office day today and stand up for ourselves.

Daily Dose of BS Feb 19 cutting the cord

I am seeing more and more people posting that they want to cut the cord. I have basic cable the no frills package, I seriously have channels 2-22 that is it. No CNN, no Fox, no MTV, no Nick, no comedy channels, and no ESPN. You get it I got the nothing package, the bill from the cable company just came and it was $136.34. 136.34 for what? Oh yeah I get phone and internet from the cable company. The more I think about it the more I am ready to get rid of it all, talk to my neighbor and get her password for internet and cut the phone cord. Does anyone have any thoughts on making this smooth? Is there any company out there that has good service at a fair price? Is that even possible anymore? I also have Netflix that adds 8 bucks a month and I got Play-On and Play-Later that I got a few months ago, that was a one-time fee. Any ideas would be welcome.

Daily Dose of BS Feb 18 winter olympics

I think we should have put in for the winter Olympics. With the snow we had yesterday and the inches of snow we got prior to yesterday, and the old we have endured, it would have been the perfect place for the winter Olympics. With yesterday’s snow its funny to see how different people shovel their walks, there are some who scoop every single shovel full, there are others who push then scoop then throw, and then there are the pushers and throwers. I am sure there are as many different ways of shoveling, plowing and snow throwing techniques out there as there are people. What works best for you? So if you were to rate this years winter with just a one finger salute which finger would it be? For me it is a number one first rate cold yucky winter. #bswithbob

Daily Dose of BS Feb 17 self bag

More and more grocery stores are offering the self check out, am I the only one who doesn’t like it? I used to not like the pay at the pump, now I like it, but I don’t think I will ever like the self register and self bag lines at the grocery store. First of all those lines are as slow as the lines with cashiers, secondly the times I have tried these lines I can’t hear the machine telling me to scan the next item, thirdly it tells me to bag my item, I which I reply I did. Also you can’t carry on conversations with the automated cashier, well you can but people look at you weirdly. Also you don’t get a break on your bill for doing it yourself, and finally think of the jobs that it is taking away.

YOU SMELL MAIL!

There’s a new alternative to those annoying audio alerts emitted from smartphones. The ‘Scentee’ plugs into your headphone jack and releases a chosen scent whenever there’s a new email or Facebook alert. As well as filling the room with an aroma, the gizmo also glows, thanks to built-in LED lights. Scent capsules offer 100 bursts of your preferred fragrance before they need replacing. Users can already pick from rose, strawberry, coffee, lavender, curry, and buttered baked potato, but new fragrances – including bacon – are on the way. The $35-device is already available in Japan and is soon launching internationally. (And you thought beeps and buzzes were annoying? Imagine entering a room full of these gadgets … who died in here?)

Daily Dose of BS Feb 13 valentines day

Love is in the air, tomorrow is Valentines Day. Funny how guys think that this is the one time a year to be romantic, the one time a year to gift flowers or something special the one time a year to show our love. Gentleman it isn’t ya know, we can be men romantic and loving and still be men ya know. There is nothing wrong with going the extra mile to say something nice, drop off a little gift or just let your loved one know you love them anytime of the year. For those who are new to this way of thinking, you still have today and tomorrow to get a special valentine treat, but remember you have 364 other days to show your love as well. What is the most romantic gesture you have ever given or received?

Daily Dose of BS Feb 12 budget

The next time I have a penny and walk by one of the wishing wells I know what I am going to wish for. I am going to wish for the same ability that our government has to approve a budget. I bet we all have issues maintaining a budget, not the government. If they want it they buy it and over pay for it. We just heard that the budget was passed in the house no argument, just passed. Can I get the same courtesy for my family budget no arguments just pass it? I wish.

Daily Dose of BS Feb 11 caffeine

About 75% of all US citizens use caffeine. This is nearly 3 out of 4 reaching for the either pop, tea or my favorite caffeine jolt - coffee. I used to be a huge pop drinker in fact when I first started out in radio I was a 12 pack a night person, of sugary caffeine filled bubbles (blah), this was when I used to work overnights after going to school all day and working another job in the afternoon, I did this for about a year, it is funny how sleep used to be a secondary thought, now I love a good nap. When I was a kid we didn’t have pop around the house except for a special occasion and that was on Mom’s bridge club day and a holiday when the relatives would come over and they would bring it. Funny if you fast forward 30 years that it is more common to see someone drinking a pop than not - not only at a restaurant but for lunch more than about anything else. Back to 75% of the population drinking caffeine, soda is the most common source of caffeine, followed by tea then coffee. Funny how now caffeine is even in foods and other drinks as well. We are seeing it in some jelly beans, marshmallows and some gums too, it is no wonder we have a society of jittery jumpy people.

Daily Dose of BS Feb 10 slip

It happened. It was bound to happen, this is after winter and it is winter in Wisconsin. I was walking in to the radio station this morning and I was doing the best penguin walk I could do, and I slipped, I didn’t fall but I skidded to a wabble. Ever since that fateful fall last February 1st I have been on edge and been afraid to fall. You see last year I broke my leg right above the ankle and it sucked. Having a cast and scooter, by the time I was off the scooter I was pretty fast on it zipping around work and different places but not being able to walk wasn’t fun. If you ever do need a scooter and I hope that you don’t I suggest giving Hilton Medical Supply a call. Kim took great care of me. It is amazing what good customer service will do for you. When walking on the ice please be careful. #bswithbob

Daily Dose of BS Feb 7 winter olympics

The best of the best competing for gold, silver, and bronze tape delayed from Russia. The 2014 Winter Olympics starts today, and I for one am looking forward to the stories behind the athletes. Russia is under the microscope, and we have seen the pictures and heard the stories of how Sochi is not ready for the worlds eyes. From what I have seen after having so many years to build up and re-build an area that more could have been done. We are also hearing about the safety fears that are on the radar, I hope and pray that nothing happens to anyone at the Olympics. A handful of years ago the “Dream Team” was introduced to the world made up of mainly professional NBA basketball players, now we are seeing more and more of the American teams made up of “professional” athletes. What are your thoughts when it comes to having professionals compete on the worlds stage and how do you feel about not just having amateur athletes competing? #bswithbob

Daily Dose of BS Feb 6 smoke em

Smoke em if you got em. I think CVS is doing the right thing. In case you haven’t heard but CVS is going to stop selling tobacco products at all its stores by October of this year. I will bet that Walgreens follows suit. It is always weird when you go into a pharmacy a place that you think of for feeling better and have them selling beer and smokes, then on top of it have them say “Live Well” as you are checking out. We do not have a CVS around here, but it is our first preferred with our insurance so if it can be ordered through the mail that is what is done and otherwise it is off to one of the other pharmacy. I bet this CVS dropping the sales of tobacco will be a game changer. Your thoughts? #bswithbob

Daily Dose of BS Feb 5 ah umm

Yesterday I had the privilege of picking up the sandwiches for a meeting, we had Subway. I have in the past challenged my kids to not say either ah or umm when ordering a sandwich. I also try to not do that, I usually mention to the person working that as well that I bet that they hear ah and umm many, many times in a day. Brandon who was working at the Subway yesterday said I never thought of that before, now I am going to be hearing it all day. Sorry Brandon. Which brings me to the way we speak, I have noticed lately that we as a society are getting to say please and thank you more, I hope this is the case, and not just a fluke, but I really feel as though we are being more polite to each other. Today I want to throw out a challenge to be extra polite today, because we are all sick of the cold and the please and thank you may brighten someone’s day and also if ordering from anywhere to try to do it without saying ah or umm. #bswithbob

THOU SHALT TWEET RESPONSIBLY:

A Church of England diocese has issued a list of social media rules for its staff and clergy. Among what have been dubbed the Twitter Commandments

I. Don’t rush in.
II. Remember tweets are transient yet permanent.
III. Be a good ambassador for the Church.
IV. Don’t hide behind anonymity.
V. Be aware of public/private life boundaries.
VI. Maintain a professional distance.
VII. Stay within the law.
VIII. Respect confidentiality.
IX. Be mindful of your own security.

Daily Dose of BS Feb 4 dont always believe

Don’t always believe what you read. I saw a story being passed around the internet yesterday and the headline read “Super Bowl XLVIII Believed to have been Rigged and Currently under Investigation by NFL” I was surprised by how many adults believed this. If you went on to read the entire story it had farfetched accusations as “ Broncos Quarterback Peyton Manning allegedly asking Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll “When are you going to pay up?” “ Right like this would happen. I looked to the bottom of the webpage and this is what I read a combination of real shocking news and satire news to keep its visitors in a state of disbelief. This site is tongue in cheek and people fell for it. I guess when the two best teams of in the league this season play and it is so lopsided that you need to have a conspiracy to help you to believe it. #bswithbob

Daily Dose of BS Feb 3 super bowl

The big winners from last night, Fox TV, Radio Shack, and the Seattle Seahawks, Fox won because they sold out the inventory of air time for 4 million dollars per 30 seconds….(you can get an ad on my show for lots less than that, call our sales department :) ) , since the game was so lopsided they won, and I am guessing that the first couple of commercial breaks were the big winners also. I watched almost the entire game including the commercials because I really wanted to see the commercials. On the commercial grade card I had the Radio Shack the 80’s called commercial rated as my favorite. I also liked the ones for T-Mobile when Tim Tebow made fun of himself, and also the Audi dober-wa-wa commercial had me laughing. I did like that there were not as many movie commercials this year and I was hoping that the Bud light hidden camera guy commercial would have been more than just the two. Since it was a football game, the big game the final winner of the night was the Seattle Seahawks. Oh yea and the Schmidt waffles were again a hit. #bswithbob

Daily Dose of BS Jan 31 waffle bowl

It is finally Waffle Sunday on Sunday, it is also big game day, it is a national day of tv, wings, other tasty treats and lots of alcohol in many cases. My family however has a totally different menu when it comes to the big game, it started at least 13 years ago. At the Schmidt house we have a family tradition of waffles, and sausage on the day when football reaches its big game. I remember the year we started it, it was right after reading the Sunday paper I glanced at a flyer that had a waffle maker on the front page, we went to the store and bought it, as a family we have been making waffles every single Waffle Sunday since. I think Waffle Sunday is a great name cause when your team isn’t in the big game you can waffle back and forth and enjoy the plays and commercials. I even left a party a few years ago when my team was in the waffle bowl to go home to have the breakfast of hotels. Have a great Waffle Bowl Sunday and go team go. #bswithbob #wafflebowl

Daily Dose of BS Jan 30 working

My son just started his first full time job, and his car is in the shop, so he needs transportation. I think it is great how here my 18 year old has gone out and found a job and here we are day 3 he seems excited. I have been lucky that my kids have a pretty good work ethic, it started out with wanting to go and make money at an early age the boys shovel and mow and my daughter has been picking up babysitting jobs with the neighbors. The two older boys have had the chance to pump gas at Bion’s Service Center, and had to learn the ropes of dealing with bosses and customers. Back to having to give the oldest a ride, yesterday I picked him up from work, and this morning I dropped him off on my way to the radio station at 5. He had made breakfast for us both, not bragging but I had a homemade egg McMuffin this morning, having a morning buddy might not be that bad. #bswithbob

Daily Dose of BS Jan 29 State of the Union

The State of the Union should be renamed stand and clap. Don’t get me wrong as I was listening to the State of the Union, there were some good points, there always are. It doesn’t matter what side of the isle you are on, this is a PEP rally and sales job. I just don’t think every single line needs applause. I think you will agree if you can objectively look at it and what it is. I ask the same questions every year and as someone pointed out to me last night, make the same astute observations as well. I have never have been a fan of the grand standing...never quite understood why. And don’t answer because it is what has always happened, to me that isn’t a good enough answer. As with all politics there is always some BS being said, it doesn't matter the party. ‪#‎bswithbob‬

Daily Dose of BS Jan 27 idiot driver

TO the guy in the maroon Traverse this morning that thought that you were the king of the road, I am thinking of a couple of choice words one of them is you. Why do you feel the need to speed up behind, ride someone’s tailgate and get an opening, take it then slow down? When one guy got sick of it and turned you took up both lanes. I got your license number, but I am guessing that it isn’t your car but your moms. Because an adult wouldn’t act that way! Grow up and drive right. #bswithbob

Daily Dose of BS Jan 24 the beebs

Bad influence, annoying, cocky yea I’m talking Justin Bieber. I don’t get it, this kid had the world by the tail. It is too bad when we see these young kids who get too big way too fast and then they crash and burn. I really believe what happened here is that this kid surrounded himself with yes men and then listened to them, believed them he bought into the myth. When you start to believe the hype and don’t live to be true to yourself that is when it happens. We have seen it happen to countless stars and celebrities as well as a few friends. Don’t believe the hype and live to be true to who you are. #bswithbob

Daily Dose of BS Jan 23 trash

I think most of the city of La Crosse now has the new garbage cans. Wow they are big. I was at first worried that there would not be enough room for the garbage of 6 and the recycling of 6 but one week down and so far so good. Yesterday was the first garbage day since the new cans came into my neighborhood and I am glad to say I got them filled to the brim and got my old garbage cans picked up. I was kind of worried about how was I going to get rid of my old cans, it brought up thoughts of an old comedy routine and trying to toss the garbage can by putting it into the trash or when you put a note on it saying throw this away only to have the note taken. I will have to say so far so good but we are only a week in at the Schmidt house. How do you like the new trash receptacles? #bswithbob

Daily Dose of BS Jan 22 words

A friend of mine and I got in to an argument over the word o-f-t-e-n. I say ofen she says off-ten. I have been on a mission to find out how people say this word. I have often asked other people how they pronounce the word and many have said offten, I agree to disagree…. I have asked around the building here at work, I asked a lot of the employees here at LaCrosse Radio and all but four agreed with me with a pronunciation of ofen. Some of the answers of why they pronounced the word that way was, I am not British, I am not hoity toddy and don’t say tamatoe either, the t is silent, it is standard American dialect, according to the Websters New World Dictionary saying the word aw-fuh; is first preferred and awf-tuhn is secondary. As a matter of fact to hear the proper way of saying the word often check out the dictionary.com website or just click here http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/often By the way some other words with the silent T listen, moisten, fasten, glisten. So who is right???

Daily Dose of BS Jan 20 MLK day

“In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” Words by Martin Luther King Jr.,said, words that hit home, how often have you been by someone and you idly sat by and didn’t say anything? I think we are all guilty of that, all have been in that situation; heck I bet most of us have been on both ends the speaker and the listener. We have all said things that we wish we hadn’t and all sat by when someone said stuff they shouldn’t have, on this Martin Luther King Jr day we need to remember those words and what they meant and take a stand. Stand up for what is right. To finish off this daily dose we should remember these other words Martin Luther King Jr, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” #bswithbob

Daily Dose of BS Jan 16 be prepared

Your Daily Dose of BS. I think the Boy Scouts had it right, be prepared. You just never know when things are going to happen, we can think we know but do we? Not really, we sometimes have a clue if we look at the surroundings but how often really has everything gone as planed in your life? I am guessing when you were a little kid dreaming of the future that everything in your life isn’t exactly what you prepared for or dreamt about. The way we deal most the time molds us to the people we are the person you have become. Remember you never know what is around the corner, you may see what is ahead, but you never can tell exactly what will happen, as I mentioned earlier be prepared. #bswithbob

Daily Dose of BS Jan 15 snow plowing

Great job! I commend everyone who got out and shoveled their walks in the past 24 yours. The road warriors who plow our streets should get medals. I think the majority of those who plow did a great job. But and I know you were waiting for the big but I saw a handful of occasions where a private person or business threw their snow into the city street. You can get ticketed for this, according to a friend of mine who is a cop one of his favorite tickets to write. So when you get your sidewalk or driveway plowed in with snow don’t toss the snow from your sidewalk or driveway back into the street because it is against the law. #bswithbob

TIME FLIES WHEN YOU’RE HAVING FUN:

The -Free Days Planner- by design enterprise Half Three strips 2014 down to Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays so you can see all the days you don’t have to work in one place. The calendar completely ignores all workdays and reduces the year to just weekends and public holidays. The printable non-work planner in wall-chart format is available as a free download for users to print off themselves.

http://halfthree.co/shop/free-days-planner-weekends-usa/

Daily Dose of BS Jan 14 life hacks

Ever heard of life hacks? Easy or different ways around a common thing. I like hard boiled eggs but hate trying to get them right either they are too under cooked or too over cooked. My friend told me to try putting the eggs in a muffin tin and in an oven pre heated to 350 for a half an hour. I did and they turned out perfect. I also dislike peeling hard boiled eggs, I saw another life hack to bust up the ends and then blow the egg out. Guess what it worked also. How cool is that, I have also tried the rice in a baggie to dry out a cell phone and it worked also. What life hacks have you tried and had work? #bswithbob

Daily Dose of BS Jan 13 2nd week of year

Here is your Daily Dose. We are now starting the second full week of the year. Have you been able to keep your New Years Resolutions? I didn’t really start one on the 1st. I am starting mine today, mine is I am going to try eating better, not diet but eat better foods for me and try not to eat so much crap. I think since I am framing it this way it will be easier to do. I have always been a fan of good for me foods but also like the bad for me foods as well. I am not going to give up on eating donuts or chips but will try to cut down on the amount, instead of two donuts I will go for one. I also am going to try to add fruit into my diet. Its funny I love veggies, raw or cooked, never been much of a fruit guy, I am going to give it a try. If you have any words of advice, please do share. #bswithbob

THE BEST THINGS TO BUY IN JANUARY

Broadway Tickets – January’s a great time to seek out ticket discounts. You probably won’t find them for the most popular shows, but if you’re looking to branch out this is the time to do it.

Carpeting & Flooring – Most people buy carpets at the end of the year in preparation for the holidays. Once January rolls around, prices go down.

Clothing – Retailers are all having mad sales after the holiday rush, so now’s a great time to grab some extra duds. The selection won’t always be great but the prices will.

Furniture – January is a great general clearance time since most furniture companies release new products twice a year … in February and August.

Gift Cards – It’s a good time to visit online gift card exchange sites like Plastic Jungle to find discounted gift cards. This time of year, everyone’s trading in their unwanted cards for cash.

Linens & Bedding – Ever since the first ‘White Sale’ in 1878, January has been the best month to get bedding and other linens.

Motorcycles – winter doesn’t make for great biking weather, but if you buy a motorcycle in January you can focus on all the money you saved while you wait around for good weather.

Suits – Not a lot of people buy suits in January, so you may see prices drop just to get you into the store.

Videogames – A lot of new games come out in late Fall for the holiday season, and they go on sale after the holiday rush is over.

Daily Dose of BS Jan 10 Gov Christie

Did Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey go overboard with his public apology yesterday? Almost 2 hours of standing in front of media answering questions for bridgegate. I am glad that he is standing up and taking responsibility but I also feel that he went way overboard with the apology, get it say your piece and get on. 
#bswithbob

Daily Dose of BS Jan 9 drunk driving

Here is your Daily Dose.
There was a billboard campaign awhile back saying buzzed driving is drunk driving. That is when it hit me that being buzzed is drunk. I never gave it much thought, I always thought I’m ok to drive I only have a buzz. What I will say is I am lucky, lucky I never caused any harm to anyone or myself. I chalk it up to lesson learned and as a teachable moment. When are you drunk? The legal answer is .08 blood alcohol level, but I think the best way to describe being drunk is that you still "know" what’s going on around you, but you just don’t care, and some of your normal skills become slurred and impaired, like you can’t walk a straight line, you tend to be off balance. I really wish that when I was younger that they would have had a campaign like the buzzed driving is drunk driving, I think it would have stopped me from driving home buzzed a few times. That brings me to the question do you think that Wisconsin should criminalize the first offence DWI?
#bswithbob

The Beer Bible

A new reference guide called Beertone (a play on the iconic Pantone color guide) has been designed to help barley drinkers identify and choose the right type of beer … based on its color. The brightest beers begin the guide, which runs through the spectrum ending with the darkest. Each beer has a card featuring a detailed description, alcohol by volume, the brewery, its bottle design, and its color information …Photos show each beer in its bottle and in a glass. This ultimate reference guide will cost suds lovers $39 a pop. Beertone

Daily Dose of BS Jan 8 baseball

We are a forgiving society, look at the sports heroes we have let off the hook for their misgivings yet Pete Rose constantly gets passed over for Cooperstown. Do you feel this is right or should he be forgiven for betting on the game he played so well and allow his successes be featured?

Daily Dose of BS Jan 7 phones

The surprises of life are not as great as they were when we were kids.  Remember when the phone rang you ran to get it, ran to be the first to see who it was.  We were excited when the phone rang, there was hope, excitement and maybe a little fear.  At my house we used to fight to see who got to answer the phone I am guessing it was because I had brothers and we would fight about everything from the phone to who got to change the channels, wow those are fights you wouldn’t see now-a-days.  With remote controls the only time you are doing any manual changing is if you misplace the remote.   At my house and I am guessing the most others have caller I.D.  Most of the time now, my kids look to see who it is on the caller id display to decide if they are going to answer or not.  I tell them to answer it regardless because you never know how your life will change when your phone rings.
#bswithbob

Daily Dose of BS Jan 6 cold thoughts

Still cold. As I drove in this morning I was worried what if I get a flat tire, or what the freezing point of rubber is, what if my tires hit a pot hole and just blow out. Then I thought nah it won’t happen, guess what it didn’t. It is weird how our minds sometimes start building up scenarios in our heads then we end up convincing ourselves that that may happen. I knew in the back of my mind that there was no way that this would happen but there was the shadow of doubt that it may. I guess what I am trying to say that even though it is 20 below outside that my mind is still active and being active on a day like today is great. Get up and do something, inside, it is way to cold outside to do anything.

Daily Dose of BS Jan 3 cold

We are about to embark on some of the coldest weather I can remember. Temperatures on Monday will be starting at -25 and going up to -8. Negative 8 for a high? As the old song goes, baby it’s cold outside. I am kind of a cold weather wimp, not enjoying it as I once did. I have never been a snow bunny, but I at least used to not mind the cold. Now I don’t mind cool but too hot and too cold blah. You are going to be hearing lots of cold weather survival tips and what not to do in the cold weather, what are some of your favorite do’s and don’ts when it comes to the extremes? When it is 100+ I would think it wouldn’t be good to walk in high heels-I have done that (Walk a Mile in her Shoes), when it is below zero don’t put your tongue on the metal pole outside, ( A Christmas Story) Stay warm my friends.

Daily Dose of BS Jan 2 actors

We live in a small world. Size wise it is large, if you don’t believe me drive across any of our states. I am talking about with technology we are a phone call or a text away from most. I bring this up after watching the preverbal ball drop on New Years Eve, we were able to watch the ringing of the New Year across the world. I think this is pretty cool. I was a vegetable yesterday and gave my Netflix a work out and it hit me. There are a ton of actors out there, I didn’t even know there was that many tv shows and movies made but there. It is funny that some of these shows even got made and it angers me that a lot of good shows got canceled. I guess what I really wonder about today is where are all these actors coming from?

Daily Dose of BS Dec 31 resolve

Oh crap! It is the last day of 2013, did I do all that I set out to do this year? NO, I did not. I had one goal this year, it was to be able to run without stopping a mile and a half. I was on track to do it, I got my membership at Anytime Fitness, and was going a couple times a week hitting the treadmill and a month into 2013 I broke my leg, 8 weeks without going to the gym. I attempted to head back, did for awhile but ended up failing my goal. 2014 is a new year and the start of a new slate. I am going to do that mile and a half this year, I am going to start with baby steps and will build slowly to it this year. By end of year I will be successful in my quest. I often don’t make resolutions because I don’t like to do you make resolutions? If so what do you resolve to do in 2014?

Daily Dose of BS Dec 30 vanilla

Baby its cold outside. I very much dislike being cold, which is funny since I wouldn’t give it up for anything. I like having the 4 seasons, I feel sorry for the people who have just one, two or three seasons. Being able to dress for the season is part of the fun, see if you can get it right, if you can properly wear the right amount of layers to not be too cold or too hot. I guess even though I like to try new things I kind of am vanilla. And as I just now came to realization it kind of bugs me that I am but as I look at the choices I have made I kind of am a vanilla person, but I do like sprinkles and other stuff mixed in.

Daily Dose of BS Dec 27 expecting

We are a society of people who expect. When I flush a toilet I expect it to do its job, when I flip on a light I like the light to go on and when you push the button on your remote you expect it to do what it was intended. I expect things like this to work because we took out the human element. It is funny when we turn on the light and it doesn’t work that we are the victims, ever had that happen to you? I was thinking about expecting when I heard the stories of the big delivery guys not getting all the Christmas gift delivered, how is it UPS or Fed Ex’s fault that you didn’t order your item quick enough or that whomever you ordered from didn’t get it out fast enough? Why are you not at least a little responsible for not buying that product locally? From what I heard about this over the past 24 hours that Christmas was ruined because a gift didn’t make it in time-Really? Your whole holiday is based on the arrival of a gift? As I started out saying we are a society of people who expect, and I expect that some will take this wrong and others will blame the President, me I just like when the toilet flushes, and the channels change.

Daily Dose of BS Dec 26 boxing day

They say that you are not supposed to fight when you get together with family yet if you over stay your welcome for Christmas, there it is on the calendar Boxing Day. I don’t know about you but where I grew up if there is a day named after fighting with my brothers I was going to take it and then claim innocence because it’s on the calendar. It would be funny if they renamed it MMA day. I noticed a few trees on the boulevard on the way to work this morning, weird that all the time, effort, energy and cost that goes into Christmas and it is over in moments. The unwrapping of the gifts at the Schmidt house lasted under a half an hour and that was drawing it out. As the whirlwind of activity was happening I was thinking of all that went in to the planning and wrapping. WOW. Besides the few trees I saw on the way to work that got the Christmas stuff put away, I wonder how many people will still have their tree up in March?

Daily Dose of BS Dec 24 Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas. Prior to last year I have always just said Merry Christmas and got upset by those that said anything different. During the past year I have had the chance to talk with many people about this, friends, foes and allies, as well as a few church leaders about the saying of Merry Christmas. Rabbi Saul Prombaum I think said it best, saying that we are all so politically correct these days, that we let the little things bug us, and I agree, we let the little things get under our skin, what one person says or doesn’t say isn’t going to make or break my day or my life and why should I let it. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Seasons Greeting, and here are hopes for a great New Year to all my family, and friends both old and new. May you enjoy the best of days.

Daily Dose of BS Dec 23 prices

Oh goody, gas is up. I saw a 4 cent rise in the price of gas since Saturday. I know 4 cents isn’t going to break us but I was hoping that the drop in the price was going to be a trend. I was wrong. Sometimes admitting that is a tough thing, I am not sure how you are with the w word but admitting that you are wrong is freeing. I got a reminder email from my cell phone company that my bill is due in 5 days, so I logged onto their website to wonder why my auto pay didn’t work, they changed everything and I was behind in my bill. This stinks as I hate being late on any bill. When looking over my cell bill I wonder are there any great inexpensive cell phone services out there? I have been like everyone else where I have become addicted to data and texting, maybe if I were to down grade I could afford a cell service again. The bill I pay for 3 phones is close to 200 dollars per month. With gas up and cell phones up what else could go up, oh yea everything.

Daily Dose of BS Dec 20 tolerance

This is still America right? We have the rights to our opinions, right? Many before us and many after us will be fighting for just that right, the right that we have as Americans to think what we want and have the right to say what we want. With that being said, I think that we are way too politically correct these days, we cave too easily we think that if we don’t that we will tick someone off, we may lose a customer or someone will look down on us. What about the general public and what the general public thinks? Are you going to base your whole business model over one person and one person’s opinion? Isn’t it just that an opinion, I bet that each person coming into contact with my thoughts here today have a difference of opinion than others in your family, your friends, your peers, your political group. This is what is wrong with America we are trying to tell everyone how to think, how to celebrate, how to live. I think that this is BS. I think we all need to be more tolerant on both sides, all sides of each argument, in fact I have been smiling and saying thank you when wished “Happy Holidays”, I wish a Merry Christmas but am doing my part.

Daily Dose of BS Dec 19 what to give

Don’t you hate when you ask what is wanted for Christmas and you get the answer nothing or surprise me. I am going to admit something that everyone that knows me already knows; I am a horrible gift giver. I try to think outside the box and usually end up on the next block, I am a man and I need help. Each and every person I asked what would you like for Christmas, I got the same kind of responses, I don’t know, give me a card, just having you in my life is present enough. Like I believe this, if I as a man do not buy a gift and the right gift, I will be in the preverbal Schmidt house, and I even though I’m a Schmidt it isn’t always pleasant in that house. So I need your help for Christmas ideas, and I need them quick as Christmas is a few days away and the stores are getting busier. And to help my fellow man if asked what would you like for Christmas have at least an idea to share.

Daily Dose of BS Dec 18 santa

A kid sitting on Santa’s lap goes against everything that we teach our kids. The other day I got to help with North Pole duties and saw first-hand how some kids are afraid to go sit on the big guys lap, yet other kids are up and ready for the challenge. We are constantly telling our kids to stay away from strangers yet here we bring our kids to sit on the lap on a big loud man wearing red proclaiming Ho, Ho, Ho Merry Christmas. The thing about being a fly on the wall at the North Pole was that the old school toys were the ones that kids wanted the most, don’t get me wrong there were lots of asks for Xbox 1 and Ipad, but legos and barbies were the most consistently asked for presents, the weirdest ask that I heard was for a pig, cause the kid loved bacon. It is also nice to see that kids still believe and they were there with a smile and I also noticed when Santa said Merry Christmas that kids and the parents smiled and said Merry Christmas back. If you have not been through the Rotary Lights yet this year, bundle up grab some canned goods, and take a stroll through the park to enjoy the sights, the sounds and the atmosphere of the Rotary Lights at Riverside Park- and don’t forget that Santa and the reindeer are there until December 23.

Daily Dose of BS Dec 17 germs

I am not a fan of germs. I have gotten better but I still don’t like to open the door handle of a public restroom without the help of a paper towel. I am a fan of the automatic turn on sink, the hand soap squirt, the auto flush, and the wave at the towel dispenser, dispenser of towels, I do however wish that they would give you a bit more than what most are set at. I have never figured out why public restrooms don’t have swing out push doors, because there are more and more people who like me don’t like to touch the door handle. Which brings me to the antibacterial hand lotion/soap that is out on the market, the stuff that claims to kill 99.9% of all germs, how does it do it by getting the germs drunk? There is so much alcohol in some of those, I get a contact buzz from using them, and don’t get me started on the dried up hands. And now the government is saying that another chemical in the wash is harmful to us. Have you ever thought if the government never told us what was bad for us or not that maybe just maybe we would be a happier people?

Daily Dose of BS Dec 16 security

Last week, World leaders including the President of the United States, and many former Presidents came together for the funeral of Nelson Mandela. By weeks end we heard that the sign language interpreter that was on stage to sign what the speakers had to say was a phony. I have had the chance to meet President Bill Clinton when he was the sitting president and the security around that event was amazing, there were secret service all over, anywhere you looked you saw them from roof tops to in the crowd to the men who were by his side. In fact when I waiting to talk to Mr Clinton I put my hands behind my back and two secret service men moved in behind me closer, I wonder how in the heck a fake interpreter was able to share the stage with so many leaders. Thankfully everything else went off without a hitch, and that no one got hurt.

SEXIEST MEN OF 2013

A new ranking by UK Glamour magazine
5. Fifth Estate actor Benedict Cumberbatch.
4. Thor villain Tom Hiddleston.
3. Hunger Games actor and Miley Cyrus’ ex, Liam Hemsworth.
2. Former Twilight star Robert Pattinson, after a 4-year run at #1.
1. Man of Steel actor Henry Cavill.

Daily Dose of BS Dec 13 do we read

Is social media relevant in your life? Do your posts make you who you are? I often wonder if the stuff that I write on fb is actually read to the end or just to the natural break facebook puts in there for the longer posts? I often wonder why some of the stupid cat pictures get shared so many times and the pictures and stories that have meaning often do not. Are we as a society addicted to wanting to know what is going on now and what our neighbors are up to? You may be answering yes in your head that this is the case, but if it was don’t you think that if we really wanted to know what was going on right now in our own backyard, that we would be looking to the local sources? That we wouldn’t be plopping down in front of a monitor either computer or tv but instead would be looking to local radio or local newspaper, or local tv news? I am just wondering if you read this to the end?

Daily Dose of BS Dec 11 snow

Overnight about a half an inch of snow fell. I shovel my walk when we get any amount of snow but I was wondering when other people shovel. There are plenty of sidewalks around that still haven’t been shoveled, and there were businesses that were having their parking lots plowed this morning. When is the right time to shovel the walk or plow the parking lot? I also wonder when the city decides to bring out the plows? There are days that I see plows running on the highways and main streets but in my neighborhood not so much.  

Daily Dose of BS Dec 12 sign here

What happened to taking someone at their word? I am not that old and I remember when a handshake was a deal, now a days it seems as though you need to sign over your first born, have a notary public and video proof that you agreed to something. I saw a national news story the other day where a mom, Roxanne Jones who is a founding editor of ESPN The Magazine and a former vice president at ESPN, told her son to get a text to have sex. Her quote was “Never have sex with a girl unless she’s sent you a text that proves that the sexual relationship is consensual beforehand.” Am I out of the loop, is this needed? Are we needing contracts for everything from hooking up to jobs to what’s next a signed contract to have dinner at a restaurant? What happened to assumed liability?

Daily Dose of BS December 10 back from vacation

You have really got to love the first day back to work after vacation. I was up on vacation but not as early as I get up for work, and traveling…don’t get me started. It is always fun being a tourist, my youngest brother Brian turned 40 last week and he lives in Livermore California which is about an hour from San Francisco, we celebrated his birthday in true Schmidt fashion, we ate and drank. I have been out to Northern California a few times in the past and had the chance to mark a few of my bucket list items for there off. I have always wanted to go to Alcatraz, and to In and Out burger. Done and done. I also wanted to hang out with my brother also done. As we were enjoying a few hours of good quality time together we decided that this past weekend was about the only time in our lives that we can remember just the two of us hanging out together without our other brother or someone else tagging along. I am glad I had the chance to really get to know my brother before it is too late.

Daily Dose of BS Dec 3 kids

I think many think that kids have it easy now. I agree that in some ways they do, but in others I am glad I grew up when I did. I don’t think we were as micromanaged as our kids are now. I am as guilty as the next guy, I get my kids involved in things, and sometimes it seems like too many things. For example we have basketball two times a week for practice then weekend games, add CCD to that and school, band and homework, that is a busy kid, and that is only one of them, I have four. When we were kids we took off on our bikes without a helmet mind you played till dark. Rode our bikes behind the mosquito spraying truck, went sledding, wait for the tv dinner to be done by watching threw the glass door, getting up at 6:45 to make sure you had breakfast in you when you set yourself up to watch good cartoons on any given Saturday morning. What memories do you miss from your childhood?

Daily Dose of BS Dec 2 lights

Friday not only brought out the shoppers it also brought out the lights. I am guessing that my house isn’t the only house that decorated for Christmas over the weekend. After watching the lighting of the Rotary Lights the Schmidt house started in the Christmas spirit with getting the tree set up and lights strung. We also got the village set up in the dining room. This year we tried something that we hadn’t done in a while, we strung lights around the back deck and hung lighted wreaths and a brought out the lighted snowman. With the expected snow the next couple days, it will be feeling like Christmas in no time.